Dentistry is dedicated to helping patients stay healthy and keep their smiles beautiful. One way dentists do so is with regular dental exams.
During dental exams, dentists take X-rays to ensure everything is fine inside their patients' teeth. They also do a visual exam where they look into patients' mouths.
Finally, dentists clean teeth by scraping off plaque, flossing between teeth, and polishing each tooth. The result is a fresh-feeling mouth and plans to address any issues the dentist spotted.
The whole process can take up to an hour, and some people find it uncomfortable. If you are one of these individuals, you may wonder if dental exams are necessary if you practice good oral hygiene. The truth is, dental exams are essential for oral health.
Part of dentistry is taking care of issues before they become life-changing. Many oral problems are not noticeable at first, and people untrained in spotting them may not realize there is a problem until it negatively affects their lives. That is why dentists thoroughly examine every part of the mouth.
Plaque is a yellowish film that coats teeth. It contains bacteria from food, drinks, eating utensils, and anything else that comes into contact with your mouth. This bacteria eats away at teeth, causing decay and cavities.
When bacteria grow in your mouth, they can attack the gums. When this happens, your gums may become swollen and tender and even bleed when you brush. In the worst cases, the disease can spread to your jaw bone, which requires surgery to fix.
If you smoke or chew tobacco, you are at risk of developing mouth cancer. Your dentist can detect early signs, ensuring you get quick and effective treatment.
Most patients do their best to take care of their teeth:
Good oral hygiene is crucial for keeping your teeth free of bacteria and decay. However, even the most attentive patients may have trouble reaching certain parts of their mouths. These are the areas where plaque can build up and cause issues.
During dental exams, dentists clean molars, where it is hard to fit brushes, and the back of teeth, where it is hard to see if you have done a good job. Dentists have special tools that scrape away hardened plaque that brushes cannot eliminate and mirrors to help them see every angle of a tooth.
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Dentistry is one part of a more extensive healthcare network. Bacteria in your mouth pose a risk to your health as a whole, not just your teeth. For example, conditions such as gum disease can even increase the risk of lung and heart disease, which are serious illnesses.
The good news is, it is relatively easy to schedule a dental exam. Most dentists are happy to set up a visit.
Request an appointment or call Island Paradise Dental at 239-642-3233 for an appointment in our Marco Island office.
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